Healthy Living: Family can get fit, have fun

For the longest time, my oldest son resisted learning how to ride a bicycle. He never said if it was because he was scared or if he just didn’t want to, he just had no desire to learn.

Then we went on vacation and everybody around the resort was riding a bike. My wife and I talked about how nice it would be to take a family ride. My son agreed and he wanted to learn immediately.

It took some time, but eventually, he was cruising around with all his buddies. We also took a few family trips to local nature preserves. That’s the joy of family fun fitness.

If, as a family, you can find an activity that gets everyone out having a ton of fun, while getting some exercise and bonding as a family, then what more can you ask for?

I call this the trifecta of family exercise because there are three things happening:

1) Everyone is having fun;

2) Everyone is getting fit;

3) You’re building that important family bond.

You can pick any activity that everyone enjoys. Something as simple as a family walk after dinner can work wonders for the family trifecta. Other options include: a day at the pool – as long as you’re in the water and not lying on a chair; an exploration hike on local trails – the kids can explore, while the adults can walk and talk; or volleyball in the backyard – let the kids pick the teams and rotate so everyone gets to play together.

A simple afternoon together can do wonders for everyone in the family.

This week’s easy fit mini recipe is simple, tasty and healthy. Start by slicing up two cucumbers and placing in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar and let sit for about a half hour. Blend a half cup of butter, a tablespoon of minced fresh tarragon and an eighth of a cup of fresh chervil. On whole wheat bread, lightly spread the sauce, layer with cucumber slices and enjoy your refreshing cucumber sandwich on a hot day.